5 Genealogy Activities to Do in September

5 Genealogy Activities to Do in September

Do these five genealogy activities in September, and you’ll build your family tree, learn from experts, and enjoy the outdoors.

It’s back-to-school season across the United States. And in many places, we can look forward to soaking up some of the year’s best weather (while it lasts). Do these five genealogy activities in September, and you’ll build your family tree, learn from experts, and enjoy the outdoors:

1. Take an online genealogy class.

If your family tree progress has stalled because you don’t know where to look next, take yourself back to school. Online classes can teach you skills from using YDNA to understand your paternal line to restoring old photos.

2. Stroll through an ancestor’s old neighborhood.

Take in the sights of the past: architectural details, old stonework, former street names or other evidence from past residents. Note landmarks that survive from your ancestor’s time. Watch for street and business names that may be inspired by history. Try to spot the oldest buildings and imagine the spaces between them before they were filled (or now-empty spaces where buildings once stood). If you can’t get to the places you want to visit, let Google Earth take you there. Where available, use Street View to surround yourself with a 360-degree view of the neighborhood.

With Google Street View , you can “walk” down your ancestors’ neighborhood streets.

3. Visit a genealogical or historical society near you.

The group may host monthly meetings with how-to classes or historical presentations. Drop in at a few meetings (not just one) so you can learn what the group has to offer and get to know people. You may meet kindred spirits. Often, you’ll discover opportunities to help your community preserve its history. Be prepared to make a small donation for each visit, though it may not be required. Use the Federation of Genealogical Society’s Find-a-Society web page, ask about a society at your local library, or search online with the name of your city or county and the phrase genealogical society or historical society.

School yourself on your ancestors’ schooling in other records, too. Obituaries often mention education. Entries in the 1940 US census include the highest grade completed. Between 1850 and 1930, the census asks about recent school attendance and literacy.

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